The rate of nosocomial bacteremia due to Staphylococcus aureus has increased over the past decade, but trends in community-acquired S. aureus bacteremia are less certain. This hospital-based observational study compares nosocomial and community-acquired S. aureus bacteremias during 1980–1983 and 1990–1993. The rate of nosocomial S. aureus bacteremia increased from 0.75 to 2.80 cases per 1,000discharges, while the rate of community-acquired S. aureus bacteremia increased from 0.84 to 2.43 cases per 1,000 discharges. The number of nosocomial device-related bacteremias increased eightfold; 56% of S. aureus bacteremias were associated with devices during 1990–1993. Intravascular devices were associated with no community-acquired S. aureus bacteremias during 1980–1983 but with 22% during 1990–1993. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) seldom caused bacteremia during 1980–1983. From 1990 to 1993, MRSA caused 32% and 18.5% of nosocomial and community-acquired S. aureus bacteremias, respectively. The rates of both community-acquired and nosocomial S. aureus bacteremias have increased significantly since 1980. In addition to their role in nosocomial infections, MRSA and intravascular device-related S. aureus bacteremias are emerging problems in the nonhospital setting.